Mayo FC
 | |
| Full name | Mayo Football Club |
|---|---|
| Founded | 26 June 2023 |
| Ground | Umbro Park, Castlebar |
| Capacity | 1,500 |
| Coordinates | 53°50′30″N 9°17′13″W / 53.84167°N 9.28694°W |
| Owner | Mayo Association Football League |
| Chairman | Joe Faughnan[1][2] |
Mayo Football Club, known simply as Mayo FC, is an association football club founded in 2023 and based in Castlebar, County Mayo in Ireland. As of 2025[update], it is seeking to become a founding member of the FAI National League, a third division of the Football Association of Ireland's (FAI) League of Ireland.
History
[edit]Mayo FC was established on 26 June 2023 by representatives of the Mayo Association Football League with the ambition of bringing senior League of Ireland football to County Mayo.[3][4] The club was officially launched at the Breaffy House Hotel. At that event, Mayo Football League Chairman Séamus Hughes described it as "a momentous occasion" that would offer young players an alternative pathway between soccer and Gaelic football.[3]
Following the launch, Mayo FC's initial competitive teams entered the League of Ireland's Academy Leagues in 2024. The club fielded boys' Under-14 and Under-15 sides as well as a girls' Under-17 team, marking Mayo's return to the national underage setup for the first time since 2022. These entries were accepted by the National Leagues Committee in November 2023, alongside Kerry FC, for participation in the MU14, MU15 and WU17 competitions in the 2024 season. The Academy's debut was officially launched at Abbotstown on 14 February 2024.[5][6]
In March 2025, Mayo FC submitted an expression of interest to join the proposed FAI National League, which is due to be the third tier of the League of Ireland. Mayo FC was one of 67 clubs nationwide to do so in anticipation of a new 20-team structure projected for launch by August 2026.[7][8]
Grounds
[edit]The club is based at Umbro Park in Milebush, Castlebar.[9] Umbro Park has a FIFA-standard 4G artificial surface, a modest covered stand, floodlighting and a clubhouse with dressing rooms and referee facilities. Maintenance and pitch quality are overseen by the Mayo Football League, with regular upkeep and inspections. The venue is close to Castlebar town centre.[10]
Crest and colours
[edit]Mayo FC's primary colours are red and green, mirroring Mayo GAA's colours. The Mayo FC crest features a cross at the top right that represents Croagh Patrick, while a winding path on the left symbolises the club's "challenging journey ahead". At the bottom, the bow of a boat references Gráinne Mhaol (Grace O'Malley), representing both local heritage and Mayo FC's commitment to women's football. Nine lines across the bow stand for the nine historic baronies of County Mayo: Erris, Burrishoole, Carra, Costello, Clanmorris, Gallen, Kilmaine, Murrisk and Tirawley. A football sits at the centre of the crest, and blue waves with a green mountain peak evoke Mayo's natural coastal and mountainous landscape.[11][12]
References
[edit]- ^ McGovern, Oisin (31 October 2024). "Mayo FC profile 'has to get bigger', says club chairman". Mayo News. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ McGovern, Oisin (31 July 2024). "Joe Faughnan appointed chairman of Mayo FC". Mayo News. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ a b McGovern, Oisin (26 June 2023). "Mayo FC officially launched on 'momentous day' for soccer". Mayo News. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ McGovern, Oisin (11 July 2023). "Mayo FC can compete with Mayo GAA". Mayo News. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "Mayo FC welcomed to LOI Academy Leagues as new season is launched". Connaught Telegraph. 14 February 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ Jordan, Luke (27 June 2023). "Newcomers Mayo F.C. have application accepted to join League of Ireland". Extra Time. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "Mayo FC set sights on new National League as FAI reveals 'Third Tier' plans". Connaught Telegraph. 27 May 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "Mayo FC signal intent for League of Ireland third tier as FAI plan takes shape". Connaught Telegraph. 10 March 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "Mayo League scores Umbro deal for Milebush Park naming rights". Connaught Telegraph. 29 January 2024. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "About Milebush Park". Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ "Mayo FC unveils new club crest". Connaught Telegraph. 16 December 2023. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
- ^ Tynan, Stuart (16 December 2025). "Mayo FC launch new club crest". The Western People. Retrieved 25 June 2025.